HARRISBURG, PA – The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) Advanced Manufacturing (ADMA) program held its second ADMA Day on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
ADMA Day was designed to ignite imaginations and encourage young learners to explore diverse career options in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and more. For this Spring installment, 39 students from three high schools visited HU to learn about robotics, factory automation, lean manufacturing and production, additive manufacturing, CAD modeling, and extended reality (including AR, MR, and VR) applications in manufacturing.
“The students were excited to come to campus and experience a ‘realistic college schedule’ with actual ADMA faculty and student instruction,” said Dr. Richard Pitts, Jr., Program Lead for Advanced Manufacturing at Harrisburg University.
What Is ADMA Day?
Over the course of a day, the visiting students experienced hands-on activities and up-close demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies reinventing the global manufacturing sector, including:
- Robotics and automation in manufacturing, including collaborative robots or “cobots.”
- 3D printing, from CAD models to final product creation.
- Lean manufacturing and real-time product assembly.
- “Smart factory” automation and design.
- AR, MR, and VR in manufacturing, including VR headsets in an immersive virtual manufacturing environment.
“I felt like the entire event was great and well-planned,” said Frank Komykoski, Engineering & Design Teacher at Milton Hershey School. “The hands-on activities engaged the students while demonstrating interesting areas of study.”
“It was great to see students enjoying their time using the Universal Robotics UR-5e articulated-arm robots to complete the ‘pick-and-stack’ activity, as well as building small factory layouts using Factory I/O simulation software,” said Dr. Pitts. “This experience not only allows students to grasp an understanding of advanced manufacturing concepts, but also exposes them to what they can study and learn in our ADMA program.”
Students left with a 3D-printed coin produced on HU’s advanced manufacturing machines to remind them of the day and provide inspiration to continue their studies and seek out their future in this exciting, multidisciplinary field.
HU Defines the State of the Art in Advanced Manufacturing
“The practical applications of our ADMA program here at HU showcase our ability to teach advanced manufacturing skills and techniques at a high quality level while instilling the principles required for careers in manufacturing in PA,” said Dr. Pitts.
ADMA Day wouldn’t be complete without meaningful contributions from HU’s Advanced Manufacturing students. Logan Trimmer ‘26 contributed by providing Factory I/O demonstrations and guiding students to other demo areas within the UPMC Health Sciences Tower at Harrisburg University.
“I also had the opportunity to go into greater detail about the programming and physical component aspects of the system with the teachers and instructors who accompanied the students. We had in-depth discussions, and it was a great opportunity for all involved – for the students, their chaperones, and those of us at HU.”
John Friend, Vice President of Admissions & Secondary Schools for HU, added: “This is a great example of providing opportunities to HU’s partner school districts and their students. We take great pride in inspiring young learners to seek out STEM careers through awareness of HU’s undergraduate offerings and the tremendous opportunities in Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry. Students were engaged in activities highlighting the major focus areas of advanced manufacturing careers and the emerging technologies that are reinventing the sector. I observed many looks of amazement and broad smiles as they were interacting with HU faculty and the various hands-on activities. Join us at HU and experience the fun of learning!”
The Future of the Manufacturing Sector in Pennsylvania
It was easy to see that these experiences were having an impact. AR, VR, 3D printing, and digital simulations are all fun to interact with – but they are also building engaging careers with almost unlimited future potential as they receive further refinement.
Advanced manufacturing will play a pivotal role in the future growth of Pennsylvania’s economy. Manufacturing is the largest economic sector in PA, accounting for approximately 13% of the state’s economic output. As of May 2022, the manufacturing sector employed about 562,700 individuals, representing 9.5% of Pennsylvania’s workforce.
Moreover, the state’s economic development strategy emphasizes the expansion of robotics and technology industries, with projections indicating the creation of 17,000 new jobs in these sectors over the next decade. Pennsylvania is investing in advanced manufacturing through initiatives like the “Factory of the Future,” which aims to help manufacturers integrate technologies such as big data, cybersecurity, and robotics to enhance competitiveness. And in 2023, Pennsylvania secured $17.9 billion in defense contracts, highlighting opportunities for small and medium-sized manufacturers to produce components for military vehicles and defense systems.
These developments demonstrate Pennsylvania’s commitment to its manufacturing sector, through strategic investments and workforce development, and the critically important role that high schools and universities play in creating skill pipelines in industries critical for national defense and state competitiveness.
Thanks to All Who Made Spring ADMA Day a Success
ADMA Day was organized by Dr. Richard Pitts, Jr.; John Friend; Shani Schalles, Associate Director of College in the High School Development; and Faith Michaels, College in the High School Coordinator.
Harrisburg University thanks the students and teachers who attended ADMA Day, as well as the HU students, staff, and professors who brought the event to life, including Ryan Bosley; Emmanuel Che; Prof. Cyprian Ekeagwu; Byron Fitch; LJ Holmes; Kadijatu Johnson; Martin Johnson; Prof. Matthew Rissler; Jacob Robinson; Charles (“Casey”) Shearrow, II; Steven “Nathan” Schwan; Alvin Smith; Logan Trimmer; Aidan Uray; Prof. Glenn Williams; and Prof. Justin Zigner.
HU is already looking ahead to the next ADMA Day – we hope to see you there!
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
